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Macron to Visit Nigeria as France Seeks to Deepen Strategic Partnership, Envoy Announces
Macron to Visit Nigeria as France Seeks to Deepen Strategic Partnership, Envoy Announces
By: Michael Mike
French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a state visit to Nigeria later this year, French Ambassador to Nigeria Marc Fonbaustier announced on Tuesday, unveiling what is expected to be a major milestone in the rapidly expanding strategic partnership between the two countries.
The announcement, made during France’s National Day celebration in Abuja, comes two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Paris and signals a renewed push by both nations to deepen cooperation in trade, security, agriculture, culture and regional stability.
Addressing senior Nigerian government officials, governors, lawmakers, diplomats and business leaders, the ambassador disclosed that President Macron’s visit would provide an opportunity for both leaders to review progress made under the Nigeria-France roadmap and chart a new course for bilateral relations.
“I am pleased and honoured to announce that, two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to Paris, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will travel to Nigeria for another State Visit this fall,” the ambassador said.
“Together, our two Presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come. These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples.”
The announcement is expected to further elevate relations between Africa’s largest economy and one of Europe’s leading powers at a time of growing geopolitical competition and renewed efforts by both countries to strengthen economic diplomacy.
Throughout his address, the ambassador described the relationship between Nigeria and France as a “partnership between equals,” anchored on the republican values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, insisting that France’s engagement with Nigeria is built on mutual respect rather than interference.
He said both countries share common aspirations for economic growth, job creation, environmental sustainability and regional peace while jointly defending the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The envoy highlighted increasing commercial ties between the two countries, citing recent partnerships involving Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+‘s acquisition of MultiChoice. He also commended Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu’s initiative to establish a House of African Worlds in Paris as another symbol of growing cultural cooperation.
Beyond commerce, the ambassador said France and Nigeria were expanding collaboration in culture, youth development and creative industries, recalling Nigeria’s hosting of the Création Africa Forum in Lagos, which brought together thousands of African artists and entrepreneurs.
He also reaffirmed France’s support for democratic governance, the rule of law, freedom of expression and gender equality, noting that the French Embassy continues to support programmes targeted at women, young people and persons with disabilities.
On food security, the envoy said both countries were strengthening cooperation through agricultural projects supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), particularly in northern Nigeria, where investments are helping to improve agricultural value chains and market access in underserved communities.
Security featured prominently in the ambassador’s remarks as he stressed that both nations remain committed to combating terrorism across West Africa.
Describing Nigeria as indispensable to regional peace, he said the country requires a united ECOWAS to effectively confront insecurity and welcomed recent security cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic against terrorist groups.
“The region needs a strong Nigeria. Nigeria needs a united and mobilised region in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
The ambassador also placed the Nigeria-France relationship within the broader context of Europe-Africa cooperation, arguing that both continents are increasingly working together to shape a rules-based international order while addressing global challenges such as artificial intelligence, healthcare and ocean governance.
In one of the evening’s lighter moments, the envoy revealed what he described as a “confession,” saying President Emmanuel Macron’s vision for Africa was partly shaped by the six months he spent in Nigeria as a young student more than two decades ago.
According to him, the French President has often acknowledged that the experience played a formative role in shaping his understanding of Africa and influenced the evolution of France’s African policy.
The planned presidential visit is expected to reinforce the momentum generated since President Tinubu’s visit to Paris in 2024, where both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in energy transition, infrastructure, education, security, technology and investment.
Analysts say the visit could further consolidate France’s efforts to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in West Africa and renewed emphasis on economic cooperation over traditional diplomatic engagement.
Macron to Visit Nigeria as France Seeks to Deepen Strategic Partnership, Envoy Announces
News
Troops, Police Recover Suspected IED, Reopen Road in Zamfara
Troops, Police Recover Suspected IED, Reopen Road in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and the Nigerian Police Force have safely recovered a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) planted along a road in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation was conducted at about 1:55 p.m. on Aug. 7 by troops of CSI Battalion VI/CT 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at Forward Operating Base Kaura Namoda, in conjunction with a Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force.

The team mobilised to Jabanda village, following a report of a suspected IED planted along the road.
According to military sources, the team located and successfully cleared the suspected explosive device.
Following the successful operation, the road was declared safe and reopened to motorists, restoring normal vehicular movement along the route.
The security forces subsequently continued their operations to ensure the safety of commuters and residents in the area.
Troops, Police Recover Suspected IED, Reopen Road in Zamfara
News
Law School Student Dies in Suspected Suicide at Lagos Hostel
Law School Student Dies in Suspected Suicide at Lagos Hostel
By Zagazola Makama
A 23-year-old student of the Nigerian Law School has died in a suspected suicide incident at the school’s hostel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, when the deceased, identified as Alayande Faith Ajoke, was found dead within the hostel premises.
According to sources, the Chief Matron of the Law School, Mrs. Igbokwe Juliana, reported the incident at the Victoria Island Police Division at about 6:30 a.m.
The report stated that at about 4:30 a.m., a student who had just completed her internship, Ojo Abisoye Tinuola, informed the matron about a suspected suicide involving her roommate, Alayande.
The matron subsequently proceeded to the scene, where the deceased was found lying on the ground within the hostel premises.
Preliminary observations indicated that the deceased may have jumped from the rooftop of the four-storey hostel building.
Police sources said preliminary investigation further revealed that the deceased allegedly left behind two notes addressed to her stepfather and roommate.
Following the report, a team of police detectives visited the scene, documented the area and took photographs of the scene and the body.
The remains were subsequently evacuated to the Mainland General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba, for preservation and autopsy.
The police said investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is ongoing.
Law School Student Dies in Suspected Suicide at Lagos Hostel
News
Gov Abiodun Commends Army, Police, DSS, Others for Intelligence-led Rescue of 5 Kidnapped Poly Students, 2 Others
Breaking…
Gov Abiodun Commends Army, Police, DSS, Others for Intelligence-led Rescue of 5 Kidnapped Poly Students, 2 Others
- 5 Suspects Arrested
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has lauded the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, as well as Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for rescuing five kidnapped students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North Local Government Area of the state.
The students, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers earlier this week, were rescued in the early hours of Friday, in an intelligence-led operation around Alamala community, off Ayetoro Road Roundabout, of the state capital. Also rescued were two non-students.
The governor described the rescue as a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, even as he reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that kidnappers and other criminal elements have no hiding place in the state.
He described the operation, which included members of the State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes and hunters, as a demonstration of the success that can be achieved when security agencies work together.
“One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately evacuated for medical attention. The student has since been stabilised.
“This operation is still ongoing, and I wish to assure the good people of Ogun State that our security agencies remain on the trail of every individual connected with this criminal enterprise,” said the governor.
“Our resolve is very clear. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident and investor,” the Governor declared, stressing that
According to him, recent joint security initiatives, particularly Operation Kò S’Áyé, have demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and sustained operational pressure against criminal elements.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to combating banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country, noting that the recent rescue of 308 abducted victims by Nigerian security forces underscores the growing effectiveness of coordinated security operations nationwide. (Reuters)
“At this juncture, I must acknowledge the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has placed the restoration of peace and security at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda through sustained investment in the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“The strengthening of intelligence coordination, the acquisition of modern security assets and his deliberate reforms have continued to deepen inter-agency collaboration,” he said.
The governor further noted that the Federal Government has continued to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, adding that the recent approval of a substantial salary increase for officers and men of the Armed Forces would further boost personnel welfare and morale.
“One of the kidnapped victims sustained a gunshot injuries during the operation and was immediately evacuated for medical attention and has since been stabilised.” disclosed a security source.
Gov Abiodun Commends Army, Police, DSS, Others for Intelligence-led Rescue of 5 Kidnapped Poly Students, 2 Others
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